Soaring gas prices drive scooter sales skyward

Reuters ^ | Jul 22, 2008 | Joshua Brown

[decimon]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Record gasoline prices are fueling a boom in sales of fuel-efficient scooters across the United States, as commuters ditch their gas-guzzlers and don helmets and goggles to beat high prices at the pump.

U.S. scooter sales have risen 65.7 percent in the first half of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, making the industry one of the biggest beneficiaries of a more than 30 percent spike in oil prices this year.

"They are just flying out of here," said Steve Travers, who manages a scooter and motorcycle dealership in midtown Manhattan. "Consumers want to escape gas prices, they can't afford to drive their cars and they want an inexpensive way to get around."

[Spktyr]

Check out cbdecals.com - they have a kit of EVERY decal that was supposed to be on your bike.

Mine’s missing the nose and tail decals. I’m not sure I’m going to put them back on.

[Spktyr]

The control pods turn gray no matter what you do. I don’t know how Honda tinted them at the factory, but it’s not paint or anodization.

I do know that a little light oil applied to it seems to seep in and turns it back to black with no apparent residue on the surface. I’m thinking they were originally oil impregnated or something.

[decimon]

The control pods turn gray no matter what you do.

If you can find some Plastilube with moly then that may turn the plastic a nice black. Just rub it in a bit and wipe it off.

[TChris]

If you can find some Plastilube with moly then that may turn the plastic a nice black. Just rub it in a bit and wipe it off.

Thanks much!

Does it help reduce or delay the brittleness?

[blackie]

I'm not interested in a safe vehicle, it was a tongue-in-check response to those who criticize bike riders.
I've been riding bikes since I purchased my first one in 1948.

I'm riding this one these days:

SV650 and me.

[decimon]

Does it help reduce or delay the brittleness?

Maybe, but I don't know. I think the brittleness comes much from UV light.

[decimon]

SV650 and me.

I've read that's an agile bike with all the speed most of us would want.

MPG?

[radiohead]

Whew!

I see folks around here on scooters all the time and its scary ‘cause they are out there w/o a helmet or protective clothing. I understand they have the right to ride that way, but damn, I get nervous just looking at them.

[blackie]

I’ve had it up to 130 mph ~ it has 73 HP to the rear wheel.

The only engine mods are: Renegade exhaust, “G” ignition box, K&N air cleaner and re-jetted carbs.

The suspension mods are: Works Performance rear shock, and gold emulators in the front forks.

Other mods are, aluminum wider than stock handlebars, rear wheel skin, Corbin seat.

Anything over 115 mph on an unfaired bike is a test as the wind tugs real hard at the old carcass.

The fastest I’ve been on a bike was 145 mph on my ‘81 GS 1100 Suzuki.

The SV650 is a back road corner burner and a real adrenalin rush! >:-}

[decimon]

Thanks.

But I was asking for gas mileage. MPG. ;-)

[kempo]

I'm sorry for the typo. Harley owns 50% of the heavy motorcycle market.

http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Harley-Davidson_(HOG)

[Spktyr]

Harley’s claims have been disputed by a LOT of people.

While the do have the #1 position in the cruiser market, they don’t have a dominant position in any other segment, nor do they have one overall. And, IIRC, heavy motorcycles are classed as 1000cc and up, which most bikes aren’t.

[kempo]

Well, even when I lay the facts on ya, you still don't believe it. Are all Honda people like that?

[Spktyr]

Nope. And, by the way, there’s no industry figures body, so motorcycle sales numbers are up in the air for debate. Harley’s numbers have been questioned and found wanting by analysts for a few years now.

That said, all Harley owners are a**holes.

Simple check:

All bikers wave at each other as they pass, regardless of ths bike marque they are riding, unless they are newbies or busy riding. Most will at least do a V-for-victory off the left handgrip.

Except Harley owners.

Scooter riders often won’t because most of them are newbies. Or because their little nervous mounts need more attention because of their tiny wheels - but you’ll get more waves from scooter riders than Harley riders.

You’ll get waves from Indian riders, Victory riders, random custom chopper riders... but not “gen-u-wine” H-D riders.

You might get one or two IF you’re also on a Harley, but more often than not, Harley owners won’t wave to other Harley owners.

So, here’s the check: Go to a city where there are many bikers. Rent a Harley. Drive around. Count the number of waves you get and note who you get them from.

Then rent something not Harley and repeat.

You’ll get more waves from the snobby BMW riders than you will Harley riders in EITHER case.

***

Harley riders are also the only ones so insecure that they will beat up a fellow rider because he’s NOT riding a Harley, and for no other reason. (Happened to me at a rest stop, they weren’t expecting a gun and a cattle prod. Idiots.) And they’re proud of it.

[Spktyr]

Of course, there's always this explanation as to why Harley riders don't wave:

[Fishrrman]

“The Rebel 450 also gets better gas mileage, and unless you paid less than $1600 for your 883, it’s cheaper on the used market as well.”

A fine bike, I had one in 1992. I wish they’d consider bringing them back...

- John

[Spktyr]

Very nice! And good to see an old-time rider that’s not stuck in the stone ages!

[Spktyr]

Yeah, I don't know why Honda ceded the 450-550 class to the competition in the US. Especially when they have perfectly good 400s and 500s in Japan and Europe. Like this CBF500 ABS - yup, it's a middleweight with ABS.

[zeugma]

Except Harley owners.

Not so :-)

I wave to everyone unless it's unsafe to do so. We're all out there taking the same chances. I've noticed that folks driving classic cars (especially convertables and such) are fairly friendly as well. IMO, I have enough love and good wishes to share with anyone who wants it. :-)

[kempo]

Let me tell you where numbers don't lie. The stock market. They know exactly how many units are produced. You can’t hide that. Now as far as waving I've been a Honda rider, a Yamaha rider, a BMW rider, and a Harley rider. I wave at everyone and everyone waves at me on all of the above motorcycles. It must be you they don't want to wave at.